Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz met with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe at the royal palace in Riyadh tonight. The Saudi-Japanese talks focused on regional and international developments as well as bilateral relations.

At the beginning of the meeting, King Abdullah presented Abe with the King Abdulaziz Sash, First Class. The King also hosted a state dinner in honor of the prime minister and his delegation.

Earlier today, Abe attended a luncheon held in his honor by Crown Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz.

The prime minister also attended the inauguration of the Saudi-Japanese Economic Forum, which was organized by the Council of Saudi Chambers of Commerce and Industry. In remarks upon the occasion, Prime Minister Abe highlighted Japan’s interest in diversifying economic relations with Saudi Arabia. He said that his visit aims to increase strategic dialogue between the two countries in all areas.

King Abdullah last made an official visit to Japan in 1999 as Crown Prince. In 2005, Japanese Crown Prince Naruhito visited the Kingdom to express his country’s condolences upon the death of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Fahd bin Abdulaziz.